they were ready to go to the mat. >> and the key person in this deal is paul ryan. it has been fascinating watching him after the election, he voted of course in the fiscal cliff deal. he was there today talking the republicans down on this a little bit. you know, if you thought after the election he would prepare for 2016 if he indeed runs, trying to be a conservative on the right flank, he seems to be on the right of the caucus. >> and one of the best john boehner anecdotes, saying that paul ryan was hanging out, being a whispering, talking about the debt limit and about why the short term makes sense. and remember, there has always been a fissure between the leadership and back bench, but ryan appeals to both crowds and taking that responsibility, willingly, happily, being the person to mend fences within these two blocks of the house republican congress. >> it is a huge, interesting development in the political career here. thank you guys for being here and all the great reporting over the week. >> thank you. >>> coming up, republicans have an explanation for th